Growing Ford opens new centre
Vehicle giant Ford has ramped up its investments in infrastructure in New Zealand, opening a warehouse and distribution centre in Auckland after a record year for the company.
Opened yesterday by Ford bosses, the centre is more than 10,000sq m and will allow for the expansion and growth of the brand in this country.
Ford New Zealand spokesman Tom Clancy said the centre was necessary to accommodate the company’s growth.
“We needed a new and larger facility because this year is actually a record year for us. We have a record number of new vehicles coming in and this new facility is going to give us the capability to support expansion in New Zealand,” Clancy said.
“We have got big plans. By 2016 we will have almost an entirely new showroom with entirely new vehicles and with these new vehicles you have got new parts and accessories that you need to carry and have in stock, and with this new warehouse we are looking to get those to our dealerships and our customers quicker.”
Clancy said a record year had been enjoyed industry-wide thanks to growth in the sector.
“There are a couple of things going on — there is industry growth then, when it comes to Ford specifically, we are introducing new vehicles across our entire line. As far as Ford goes, we are on a growth [trajectory].”
Clancy said Ford would be exploring the option of selling electric cars in New Zealand in the near future but “the market has to be ready for it”.
“We will definitely look at [it]. Ford operates around the world and we have to look at each market and see what works for that market,” he said.
“At the moment, for New Zealand, we have got eco-boost technology which is smaller engines, getting more power with better fuel efficiency and also smart diesel engines so that is the strategy here at the moment.”